Despite a slip in support for the coalition, Liberal frontbenchers are still talking up Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's strong poll lead over Bill Shorten.
Todays's Fairfax-Ipsos poll shows the coalition has fallen four per cent to 52 per cent, on a two-party-preferred basis - less than that secured under Tony Abbott at the last election - but remains four per cent ahead of Labor.
But despite the hit, Mr Turnbull remains well in front of Mr Shorten as preferred prime minister.
Cabinet minister Josh Frydenberg said polls always get tight before election, but went on to say that Mr Turnbull's strong leadership will take the government to a victory.
Voters turn from coalition as support builds for Labor: poll
A total of 52 per cent of voters surveyed in a nationwide Ipsos poll conducted for Fairfax chose the coalition over Labor - down four percentage points from the last poll in November.
Labor's popularity on a two-party-preferred basis rose four percentage points to 48 in the same period.
The government's 52 per cent rating is less than that secured under Tony Abbott at the last election (53.5 per cent on a two-party-preferred vote).
Mr Turnbull's rating as preferred prime minister dipped five percentage points to 64 per cent, while Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's crept higher by one percentage point to 19 per cent.
The poll of 1403 people was taken between February 11 and 13.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull makes a visit to Cairns, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. Malcolm Turnbull (C) takes a selfie with Sami Bukholz (R). Source: AAP
Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus said the wave of relief that swept the nation when former prime minister Mr Abbott was removed was now receding.
Voters were not seeing any new policies from Mr Turnbull.
"They're seeing a continuation of failed policies," he told ABC TV.
"What we're seeing is chaos in the ministerial ranks with departure after departure.
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